I think it looks real nice! If it were me though I would have picked up one the darker speck colors and used that in a tile trim piece as a transition to the pretty backsplash from the granite.

I like the backsplash very much... I can't really tell if it goes with your counter, as it's hard to see the colors in your granite. I think it's a busy backsplash with texture and depth, and with a busy granite, that can be a lot, but as long as all the colors of the backsplash pick up the colors of the granite and you're not introducing new colors to an already intricate palate, it should be fine. If it makes you happy when you see it, it doesn't matter if others don't like it. If it doesn't make you happy or you think it's off, then it might bug you for a while. After a while, you get used to everything, though. I do like it.

Let me just follow up by saying I would have probably chosen something simpler and more classic to let the granite take center stage. But in the right setting, what a cool tile that is!

Love the granite, stove, and backsplash but they do fight each other for center stage. You have 3 major stars here. I'm seeing a peachy color in the granite that coordinates with the peach in the backsplash. If you love it, that's all that counts!!

I have a busy granite and will be putting up a backsplash that is also busy but I love both elements so I'm forging ahead.

Honestly I like them individually but together...not so much, sorry. It seems a bit intricate with the granite and the overall effect is peach-toned, while that overall tone in the granite is more golden. The two may actually match, but in the granite, it is tempered by black/grey.

All the elements are beautiful. I think that the backsplash and the granite fight with each other, unfortunately. Can you use the tile somewhere else?

I'm going to be totally honest with you and tell you that I love the backsplash! And I love the granite! And, of course, I love that Aga 4-oven !!! However, I do not love that backsplash and granite together. I really do think both the color and pattern of the backsplash are wrong for the countertops you've chosen. As result, I feel those two elements are vying for attention in a way that diminishes the real beauty of each individually. IMHO, something has gotta give. Sorry!:-(

I appreciate the honesty so far.

Okay, if we did change it ( gasp, $1500 down the drain ) what would you suggest?

I agree.. the backsplash and granite are both beautiful but not up against each other.

What if you could take out the lower 5 inches or so and put a row of solid tile in there to separate them? black maybe? Put some cardboard or something up temporarily to see if you like it..

If you have to remove it and it will be trash either way, try painting over it. A really bumpy wall might look really cool there. I think black or steely gray would look nice.

Do you have any more pictures of your kitchen? It's really hard to tell from just that one view. (and I apologize if you've posted it... I don't always read everything...) I'll give some opinions, and I can't wait to see the whole thing!

Oh, that's a great idea about painting it! A much cheaper fix, and no one on the block will have that texture on the wall!

How big are the backsplashes? Will they be seen from all over the kitchen? Did you try putting some accessories on the counters? That could change how you view things, even if you decide that its not a perfect combination. In real life you are going to have stuff on the counters. Maybe even big decorative plates against the backsplash.

It's off!!! I bit the bullet and removed it before the mastic dried too much.
Any advice on an alternative ?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

You are so bold! Put it on and then rip it off, I like your style. It is a really unique and beautiful tile, maybe you can use it somewhere else in your house. I'm also choosing a granite with a lot of color and movement, so I'm just going to use more of the same granite for the backsplash. Btw granite counters, wood cabinets, floor and appliances, I decided not to add another element. If you have left over granite you may consider that too. Otherwise I would go with a subtle solid piece of travertine. Something that had movement, but not too much color variation.

I can see why you loved the backsplash when you choose it. Beautiful.

That said, (looking at the close up pic) It does seem to fight a bit with the movement in the granite. I could see those tiles around a fireplace? Do you have one? I'd hate to see you have to scrap them entirely.

Don't be too hard on yourself. All the time and energy you've spent working on your kitchen, this kind of thing is bound to happen. Maybe hang in there for a week or so, it may start to grow on you... if not that's okay too. My feeling is you should be head over heels in love with your final kitchen design. (Just my 2 cents)

The second picture really made a big difference. I have to agree that it takes away from the beauty of the granite. It is a beautiful tile but not with your granite. How about something very simple/elegant in a creamy tone to coordinate with the granite and the stove?? Maybe it would help if we knew the name of your granite and what colors are in it?? What is your cabinet color??

Oh yes, now that I see the close-up it looks like you did the right thing by taking it downÂpretty backsplash though. I would go with something, light grey, cream, light golden in a solid color along a classic style. That is one killer cool range you have there!!!

I think you made the right decision. I like the backsplash, but it would have looked better with a calmer counter.

Look through the FKB, magazines, Houzz.com. See what works with a granite with your type of movement--note the sizes that appeal to you with a busy stone, note what textures you like (glass, tumbled marble, ceramic, etc.) From there you will have a feel for what will look right when you go to the tile store, and then worry about the exact color. I would look at creamy off whites, like your cabinets.

You never know, maybe a large format tile might be the trick, something like a 4x12? Or even 2x8s?

good luck, and post a follow up.

Sometimes it is really difficult to respond honestly, and I want to commend the whole slew of you who did. It is a pretty tile, but I think you made the right decision to tear it out. As the others have said, the granite and tile just don't seem to compliment eachother.

I would tend to keep it and then be miserable about it...for years!

What is your granite? I think I may have picked the same one so interested to see what others suggest for a new backsplash.

BTW - LOVED the backsplash, but not with the granite. Hopefully you can use it another place - maybe the bathroom?

You did the right thing. The same thing happened to me. I put up what I thought was a simple backsplash and it had a gray cast to it. Looked terrible! We ripped it out and now have a simple cream colored crackle subway tile. My advise is a simple tile that picks up one of the light colors in the granite. What color are your cabinets? Maybe there are some "webbers" who have the same white and can direct you. Many match the tile to the color of the cabinets.
The backsplash has to relate to either the color of the cabinets or the granite.

Here's to you and your bravery!!! That tile sure is special. I bet you find another use for it someday. Your kitchen is gorgeous so far. You will find another backsplash with your taste. I agree with the others, a simple backsplash would not compete with the granite.

Wow, that was brave! I really liked that tile but in the close up photo, it didn't appear to be the right shade to compliment the granite. Tile is terrifying, once grouted, it feels like it's there FOREVER. Anything I can't paint over freaks me out.
Cast my vote for a something simple to compliment the granite vice competing with it. I really liked the unique shape and dimension of the mosaic that was there. Maybe you could find something similar in a cream?

I love the backsplash. It is unique and very pretty. If it were me, id ditch the granite. But im sure that is more costly.

I would say though, that part of the issue is we are looking at it in stark contrast. Line up a row of white stone canisters for example, and it may look different?

But if you arent happy you arent happy. I did my kitchen 8 years ago and put in granite because back then everyone insisted you could not do marble or limestone. Ive always regretted it. Whatever you do, make sure you are happy with it. Otherwise what's the point?

Good luck.

Please remember to post follow up on your new backsplash! Good luck!

The granite is antique gold. Our cabinet maker matched the laquer to our existing trim color which I have no idea what the exact name was, not a BM color.

Thanks....it looks so much like my Kashmir Gold I will be curious to see your new backsplash!

I actually think, looking at that second picture, that you should pick the light color from the granite and do maybe a light travertine. If you like mosaics, you could do a travertine brick or even diamonds. If the color is very neutral and the variation is not as wide between tiles, a mosaic wouldn't look bad back there. I am partial to a 1 x 2 or 2x3 brick pattern. I think that looks classic, as does regular subway tile. I would let that granite and stove speak for itself! and your gorgeous cabinets.

I go with jterrilynn on subway tiles -- you can go with cream, but if you want to compliment the granite there are many wonderful colors there to bring out. Of course I just drove myself nuts finding the 1(!) tile that was taupe, but not too brown, not green, not too gray, etc. to complement my granite. Somehow I was concerned about having too creamy a kitchen. It is now perfect. They are 2X6. There are some nice 3x6 also. I hope you find what you like.

For what its worth: I agree with the majority -- great tile, great granite, great cabinets. You may have survived with a border of subways at the bottom, but you were definitely right & gutsy to pull it out. These are decisions to live with for a looooong time.

Good luck!

http://www.crossvilleinc.com/gallery_thegallery_detail.cfm?PhotoGalleryID=398

I like this look, too... though you may not want to be as busy at the bottom.

Also:

http://www.crossvilleinc.com/gallery_thegallery_detail.cfm?PhotoGalleryID=541

I agree with the others that the backsplash and granite are both gorgeous, but not together. Congratulations for having the courage to take the tile down.

Since it was set with mastic, you may be able to salvage the tile (and send it to me!! lol) by soaking it in water to soften any mastic that may still be stuck to the tile. Maybe you have another place in your house where you can use that beautiful tile, or sell it on Craigslist.

I think you made a wise choice to take down the tiles and start over for all the previously mentioned reasons.

I just wanted to add that it probably would've been difficult to keep clean because of all the nooks and crannies .

Vanis

WOW! I give you so much credit for taking out the backsplash. I think from your orig post you had your mind made up & just needed some GW encouragement to pull the trigger - Good for you

As others have mentioned - my initial reaction was the backsplash & granite were fighting each other - While it appears there may be some of the same colors in both - To me it's not only the color - which reads too peachy but also the size - the mosiac size & texture was drawing the eye in and fighting to be center stage - Not so good really. Especially given the beautiful other elements I see in the kitchen - Aga, cabs, granite counters

My preference for backsplash is for larger sized tiles - I think it is because of the expanse of space the backsplash takes up - larger tiles lend more to a subtle beauty rather than a scream for attention if that makes sense.

A few suggestions that you may consider
- Put that lovely mosiac on Craigslist or Ebay to try to recoup some of your initial expenditure - Which will make the next expenditure a little less painful
- Take your time finding the "right" backsplash. Do a mock up if you can, bring home sample boards & live w/them in different lighting, post pics of the ones you are considering
- I posted link to finished backsplash - not sure if you have perused there - LOTS which may end up being confusing - I found it helpful in the sense of letting my opinion develop - making lists of what I like/don't like about a particular backsplash dictate my end result

If you have/can obtain a sample of your granite to keep with you while looking that would be very helpful & advisable.

Posting bigger pics of the rest of your kitchen & posting a separate thread under "help with backsplash choices" or the likes will bring many to your decision making

Something subtle and not bold seems to me, to be the direction of your lovely space

Best to you

Here is a link that might be useful: Finished backspash blog

Is the granite Kashmire gold?

Here's some pics that may help
http://www.stonemastersinc.net/images/404_Kashmir_Gold_Counters_with_Travertine_Backsplash.jpg

fellow GW kit
http://s856.photobucket.com/albums/ab130/marcy96lin/?action=view&current=IMG_0558.jpg

http://media.photobucket.com/image/kashmir%20gold%20granite%20kitchen%20counters%20and%20white%20cabinets/boxerpups22/White%20kitchens/kashmir_gold_countertop_big.jpg

GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS!!

I LOVE the backsplash. And I think it goes BEAUTIFULLY with your stove. And cabinets. And my they are so nice!

But the granite? Gets lost. As the previous posters have said - the two really compete with eachother. When I first opened the picture my immediate thought was 'whoa! too much, too busy!', but then the more I looked at it, sat with it, the more it began to grow on me.

I think that if you aren't 100% loving it, and you have the ability to change it - i would do something about it.

Pick one or the other. And honestly? I'd go with that backsplash and a more simple, monotone look on your hard surface. Which is probably not an option if you have a lot of money in those countertops.

Again, those tiles are AWESOMe - and so beautiful with the stove.

You sure are brave, but it beats having to tackle the job after the tile has set up! Your counter top looks to be Venetian Gold, which is what I have. I've used Travertine 8" tile, placed on the diagonal, with a 6" rectangular border on the top/sides, and had it installed only 12" on the wall versus a full backsplash~I LOVE it. It's a perfect match with the granite countertop, and they don't fight one another. ;o)

Here is a link that might be useful: this is the color, but not the size

Good for you! I think you made the right decision.

For me the color was off just enough to make it problematical. Then too, the raised texture of that backsplash tile would have made it a horror to keep clean. I don't think kitchen where grease would collect on the upper surfaces and then attract dust was really the ideal application for it.

Will you be able to reserve it for some future powder room or wet bar remodel? It's lovely so it will make the right treatment spectacular.

maybe some missed it. Our granite is called Antique Gold.

I really appreciate the suggestions so far. I cannot change the counters as I have $10,000 invested in them, even though that is one experience I could have done without ( long story ).

Bump

Curious Vanis - where are you with the backsplash